PETALING JAYA: Italy will set the stage for a very much anticipated race weekend for Viper Niza Racing Team in the 12 Hours of Misano for the first time out on an unfamiliar circuit.

On what is better known as a motorcycle track as it is home to the San Marino Grand Prix in MotoGP, the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli plays host to only its second 12 Hour world sportscar endurance race this weekend.

"We have not raced at Misano before and therefore this is going to be an entirely new experience for the team. It is a circuit that appears pretty flat with subtle elevation changes suited more for motorcycles, it looks certainly narrow and so overtaking will be at a premium," said Viper Niza Racing Team lead driver Douglas Khoo.

"We’re all spending a fair bit of time on the racing simulator to better understand the braking points and how to approach each corner. Some are just straight flat out high speed corners. We’re also looking at previous on-board videos to see how other drivers are attacking each turn."

He will be joined by Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh as well as an all Malaysian crew. Despite the team’s mixed feeling of excitement and uncertainty of the unknown, Viper Niza Racing will however, head to Misano with an inspiring race record so far this year - sixth overall and second in the GT3 AM class in the Michelin 12 Hours of Spa Francorchamps in Belgium; and victory in the GT AM Masters class and second in the GT AM class at the Motul 12 Hours of Sepang.

The team will head to Misano with the same overall package with no additional upgrades.

"It will still be the same car with some part replacements due to wear and tear. We will only know what set-up to use when we get down to putting some laps during practice."